Friday, March 6, 2009

Reflecting the remarkable and renowned personal style of the late Brooke Astor, philanthropist and doyenne of New York society, this residence is an eloquent representation of her distinguished life. It is located on a very high floor at 778 Park Avenue, which was designed in 1931 by Rosario Candela, who is to this day New Yorks most celebrated luxury residential architect. It occupies the entire 16th and part of the 15th floors, resulting in 4 brilliantly sunny exposures. What makes this property uniquely charming is the sheer number of its architectural assets. There are 15 large and beautifully proportioned rooms, 10 of which have at least 2 exposures, many with partial views of Central Park. Additionally there are new French doors opening to 6 terraces, 5 fireplaces with antique mantels, elaborate and original moldings, antique parquet de Versailles floors and high ceilings. The entertaining rooms all radiate off a 30 foot long gallery with 18th century oak floors and include a grand living room with fireplace and a wall of bayed windows looking up and down Park Avenue. The oversized formal dining room has a fireplace and 2 pair of French doors to a small terrace. The red lacquer and brass trimmed library was designed by Albert Hadley and is possibly the most photographed room on Park Avenue. This room features a fireplace and 3 pair of new French doors opening to a large, square south facing terrace.The private quarters are on both the 15th and 16th floors. On the 16th floor is a charming oval study with new French doors to a small terrace. There is also a guest room and a hallway powder room before reaching the remarkable master bedroom. With 3 exposures, including Central Park, a fireplace and 2 pairs of new French doors to a terrace, this master bedroom is truly enchanting. Possibilities exist to expand the dressing rooms and to include a second bath in this suite. On the 15th floor is another master bedroom almost identical to the one above